Ingredients

8 8 ounces hot Italian sausage or 8 ounces uncooked sweet Italian turkey sausage
8 ounces gemelli pasta or 8 ounces elbow macaroni , cooked and drained
1 package cream cheese , cute into cubes and softened
4 ounces crusty Italian bread , cut into 1 inch cubes ( about 2 cups )
1 cup pitted kalamata olive , halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon snipped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage , crushed
1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme , crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1 medium tomatoes , sliced
2 2 ounces parmesan cheese or 2 ounces romano cheese
Tuscan Mac'N'Cheese is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that is perfect for cooler weather. Featuring Italian sausage, kalamata olives, and a blend of cheeses, this recipe adds some extra, unexpected flavors to the classic comfort food. The melted cream cheese and bread cubes give the dish a unique texture, while the sliced tomatoes on top add a touch of color and freshness. This recipe is sure to be a fan favorite, with its delicious flavor and satisfying, filling ingredients.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally.
3.Add in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, bread cubes, olives, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese is melted.
4.In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, sage, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add in the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thickened and bubbly
5.Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir well.
6.Spoon the mixture into a greased 2-quart square baking dish. Top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7.Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and the pasta is heated through. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

PROS

This recipe is a creative twist on classic Mac’N’Cheese, featuring a delicious blend of Italian sausage and kalamata olives.

The bread cubes and cubed cream cheese give the dish a unique texture.

It’s a hearty, filling meal that is perfect for cooler times of the year.

CONS

This dish may not be suitable for those who are watching their calorie and fat intake.

It can also be somewhat time-consuming to prepare, due to the multiple steps involved.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish does contain a number of ingredients that are beneficial to your health.
The olives and tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
While sausage is high in calories and fat, it’s also a good source of protein that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Milk and cheese are also good sources of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.

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